18 best things to do in Fécamp (Normandy)

Planning a trip to the town of Fécamp, Normandy? Wondering what to see and visit on top of the famous Benedictine palace?
Fécamp is a great destination for a weekend in Normandy or holidays on the Alabaster coast. 
Below is my guide with over 18 things to do in Fécamp and its region with tips, map and photos.

5 best things to do in Fécamp en Normandie

Si vous ne voulez pas lire tout l'article (avec les 18 meilleures choses à faire à Fécamp) ou si vous disposez d'un temps limité, mes 5 préférées absolues sont :

• Profiter des vues et des bunkers au Cap Fagnet.
• Visiter le Palais Bénédictine.
• Se promener le long du front de mer et des digues de Fécamp
• Admirer l'architecture de l'abbaye de la Trinité et découvrir les ducs de Normandie.
• Apprenez-en plus sur l'histoire de la région au musée des Pêcheries.

Is Fécamp worth visiting?

Fécamp offers a great combination:

• Religious architecture
• Renaissance architecture
• Cliffs
• WWII history
• and more...

It is often an overlooked destination, yet it is a great location on the Alabaster Coast to explore the whole region.
I do think it is worth spending at least a day there. But it can also be a great base for your vacation.

What is Fécamp famous for?

Fécamp is mostly famous for 2 reasons:

• its Benedictine palace: its architecture which is a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance and its distillery of the famous Bénédictine liqueur.
• it has been the birthplace of many Norman Dukes, as the castle was the residence of the dukes of Normandy until 1204.

About the name

One theory, is that the name Fécamp is from the old name of the Valmont River at the bottom of the valley. Its old form "fiscannum" is from the term fish meaning a location near the river full of fish (source in French here).

More photos after the planning tips.

Planning Tips & Map - Visit Fécamp, Normandy, France

This highlight (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) is included in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you early plan your road trip around Normandy:

Where to stay in Fécamp - accommodations

Fécamp provides a good accommodation offer with charming flats to rent, B&Bs and hotels. For example:

• Hotel le Grand Pavois - with sea, city or harbor views - lots of light - Check out photos and availability
• Le Sunset beach - apartment right on the beach - Check out photos and availability
• B&B A la Maison Blanche centrally located  - Check out photos and availability
• Aux premières loges - modern apartment with gorgeous sea-views, further from the city center - Check out photos and availability
• or check out the best rated accommodations in Fécamp

2 Best views - what to see in Fécamp

#1 - Cap Fagnet

Cap Fagnet is my favorite place to see while in Fécamp, and in Normandy (see my list of favorite landscapes).
Just north of the town, you can climb to the top of the cliffs. There you will find:

• a viewpoint over the city, its harbor and its beach
• Unlimited views of the chalk cliffs that make the Alabaster Coast famous
• A charming chapel
• WWII bunkers in great conditions, including a famous Mammut

Learn more on my article about Cap Fagnet

#2 - Enjoy the views from the top of the museum

If you are visiting the Pêcheries Museum (see next section in the article #4), don't miss the last level of the building. There is great room with views of the city in all directions and an outside terrace.
You can also see a model representation of the area. 

6 experiences - What to visit in Fécamp

#3 - Visit the Benedictine Palace

As I wrote earlier, the most famous thing to do in Fécamp is visit the Bénédictine Palace.
Already from the outside, even if you don't visit, the building is fascinating. Its architecture is Gothic and Renaissance with a grand staircase. It was built at the end of the 19th century.

But it can also be visited in 3 parts:

• A free exploration of the museum with a few magnificent rooms displaying an intriguing mix of pieces: old books and manuscripts, locks, religious artefacts (including ancient and sacred art of its founder Alexander the Great), sculptures as well as advertisement pieces about the Bénédictine liqueur.
• A guided walk of the distillery where you can understand better the history (created by a Benedictine monk who lived in the Abbey of Fécamp in the 16th century), some of the ingredients (they won't reveal the secrets) and the manufacturing process of the liqueur.
• And a tasting!!!!

Make sure to book your ticket.
Check out the opening times here.

#4 - Learn about the region from Les Pêcheries Museum

All the Fécamp small museums have been gathered in a central building that once was a cod-drying factory.
In the various levels, you will discover:

• Fishing artefacts and explanations about the traditions
• Historical artefacts
• Local way of life throughout history
• Fine art pieces

Check out the opening hours here.

#5 - Trinity Abbey (Abbatiale de la Trinité)

Located in the heart of the old town, the travelers are often surprised by this underrated religious building.
Legends says that the monastery was built from the trunk of a fig tree in which the Precious Blood of Christ had been hidden and which miraculously washed ashore on the beach of Fécamp.
History tells us that the Trinity Abbey (also known as the Fécamp Abbey), was founded by the Dukes of Normandy from the 11th century (but chapels and abbeys had been established in this location since the 7th century). 

It is gothic structure is quite large: 127m (417ft) long and lit by natural light.
Highlights include:

• the astronomical tide clock from 1667.
• the tabernacle of the Precious Blood,
• the sculpture of the Dormition of the Virgin, 
• the Renaissance gates around the choir
• and decors from the 15th and 16th centuries

Guided tours are run. Check out opening hours here.

#6 - Saint Etienne church

The most visible church is not the Abbey but Saint Etienne. There is often a mix-up.
This church is also worth a visit, with a very different atmosphere than that of the abbey.
It was mentioned already at the beginning of the 11th century. The current church was built in the 16th century and completed in the 19th century by the sailors and mariners.
And make sure to walk all around it as it is quite a composite of architectures: 

• a portal of the Renaissance
• neo-gothic flamboyant bell tower
• West portal from the 19th century
• Large paintings from the 19th century

Open every day from 9am to 6pm.

#7 - Chocolate Museum

Hautot is an institution in Normandy. When you talk about chocolate in the region, this is the name you have in mind.
In their shop in Fécamp they have established a museum about chocolate making: from the history of cacao, to how it is cultivated and transformed.
Even if you don't visit, don't forget to taste some of their creations! I think I will soon go back to their shop in my hometown (Le Havre) for some treat me...

Check out opening hours here.

#8 - Sailing

If you are looking for a more unique experience, check out some of the sailing tours on offer.
First, you will get to see the Alabaster Coast cliffs from the sea, which is already great. But, it can be on an old sailboat!
With "Au gré des vents" you can enjoy a tour on one of the 2 old lobster boats: the MilPat and Tante Fine.
Book your tour here

5 Other things to do in the center

#9 - Stroll along the beach

#10 - Dikes

At the north end of the beach, you will find the entrance to the harbor with the dikes.
This is my favorite place to walk in the city and photographers should enjoy it.
You can stroll the dikes with beautiful views of the beach, the cliffs and the town.

#11 - Stroll along the harbor

At the heart of the town is the harbor, Fécamp has a long fishing history.
Take the time to stroll around the waterways and appreciate the ever-changing lights of Normandy.
From different viewpoints you can enjoy: the harbor with the church, the harbor and the cliffs, the harbor and the houses...

#12 - Ducal Palace

Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, the Ducal Palace (or Fécamp Castle) was the home of the first Dukes of Normandy.
In 1067, William the Conqueror celebrated the Hastings victory here.
You can see the ruins from the outside.

#13 - Casino

If gambling is an activity you enjoy, you can head to the Casino, along the seafront.

5 Excursions from Fécamp

#14 - Yport

Yport is a lot less famous, and it is one of my favorite villages on the coast (but it is still touristy with French visitors).
It used to be a fishing village. But became popular in the 19th century when sea-bathing was the thing to do.
I enjoy the beach, the blue and white huts, the flintstone houses typical of the region and the beautiful little church.

#15 -  St-Pierre-en-Port

The little valley "Valleuse" of Saint-Pierre-en-Port was cut by the water. The opening is quite large and the experience different from other valleys.
The views are without too many houses and the cliff views are impressive. So, it is great to explore
I recommend a visit at low tide to see all the locals picking seafood. This is one of my favorite beaches in Normandy for scenery.

#16 - Étretat

Étretat is not far away (25min drive), but it is the jewel of the Alabaster Coast. You should not miss it!
This is where the chalk cliffs have the most stunning formations and arches!

Learn more on my article about Étretat.

#17 - Le Havre - Unesco site

Only 45min away is also the town of Le Havre, my hometown.
It is not your typical French town, but it is a Unesco Heritage site due to its special post-war architecture.
What I love the most is the mix of modern art with the square lines of the architecture and the incredible skies we get sometimes.
Find out more in my article about Le Havre

#18 - Rouen

Just 1h South East of Fécamp, you can reach the historical town of Rouen.
This is one of the most fascinating cities in Normandy with lots of architectural wonders, as well as art and history museums.

Weekend in Fécamp - itineraries for 1 or 2 days

Fécamp is a great destination for a weekend getaway.
Here are my suggestions to plan your itinerary.

1 day in Fécamp

• Morning: Stroll along the harbor and the beach + Climb up to explore Cap Fagnet
• Afternoon: visit of the Benedictine Palace, the St Etienne Church and the Trinity Abbey

2 days in Fécamp

• Morning Day 1: Stroll along the harbor and the beach + Climb up to explore Cap Fagnet
• Afternoon Day 1: visit of the Benedictine Palace, the St Etienne Church and the Trinity Abbey
• Morning Day 2: visit the Museum Les Pêcheries
• Afternoon Day 2: Chocolate Museum and relaxing at the beach or excursion to Yport or Etretat depending on your taste

Other infos about Fécamp

Short history of Fécamp

Fécamp has been added to the national network of «Towns of Art and History» in 1992. You can find informational boards around the town.

The settings with tall cliffs on both sides has made Fécamp a location of interest for a long time.
During the 10th century, Fécamp became a capital under the reign of the Dukes of Normandy. The Sainte-Trinité Abbey was built and became a pilgrimage site.

In the 19th century, the port of Fécamp became France’s main cod fishing port. The fishermen went on expeditions to Terre Neuve (Newfoundland, Canada). Cod became as famous as herring.

Today, the port is still home to fishing boats, but also more and more yachts.  

Where to eat in Fécamp - restaurants

I am not a food blogger, but here are a few of the best rated restaurants in Dieppe, to help you plan:

• La Table de Benoit - 3 Place Adolphe Bellet - French cuisine 
• La Plaisance - 33 quai de la Vicomté - Seafood with view of harbor
• Le Mêle Anges - 7 rue Vicomté - great value for price
• And inland from Fécamp, in Valmont: Le Bec au Cauchois (Michelin 1 star)

Want to see other highlights in Seine-Maritime? 

• The Unesco town of Le Havre - read article
• The best things to do in Etretat - read article
• The best things to do in Dieppe - read article
• The famous village of Veules-les-Roses and its river - read article
• Or read my complete article about the Alabaster Coast
• Or want to see the best cities and town in Normandy - check out my list

Planning a trip to Normandy? 

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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